Protection, participation and legitimacy: the European Union’s public consultation system and ethnic and national minorities

This chapter investigates the current state of the EU consultation system vis-à-vis (organizations of) ethnic and national minorities. First, the EU’s objectives concerning its consultation system are mapped, followed by an assessment of the discrepancy between these objectives and what minority organizations want. The following minority groups are considered: regional national minorities, Roma, Jews, Muslim immigrants and non-religious immigrants. Mainstream political parties are used as a control group. Large differences between groups are found in the degree of institutionalization of the EU consultation system, which is most developed for national regional minorities and Roma, and least for non-religious immigrants, where Jews have a proactive attitude and consultation of Muslim immigrants is increasing. Seen from the perspective of the ethnic groups, consultation is driven by the wish to participate (regional national minorities), protect religious rights (Jews, Muslim immigrants), influence EU foreign policy (Jews) and seek protection against discrimination (Roma). Seen from the perspective of EU institutions, gaining legitimacy (through being more representative and protecting minority rights) is the driving force, though the EU is not very successful in this respect.